Some of you have been asking questions about Dr. Waerlop’s videos. “Why so much neurology on The Gait Guys ?"

Our answer, "Because that is where it all starts !" It is where movement begins and where it ends; from areas 4, 4s and 6 in the precentral gyrus of the brain’s frontal lobe, down the spinal cord and out to the muscle through the peripheral nerve. It is also where the information from the body’s receptors feed back, to give updates on where the body parts are in space (proprioception) and how they are doing functionally (comparing information about length, tension, etc). It is about sensory and motor function. Motor function is based on sensory input. Good motor function is based on good sensory information. It is a subtle, beautiful, intricate symphony. And when one part goes wrong, the whole system can be thrown off.

Here is an example Dr. Allen gives in his lectures and to his patients to make this point clear goes like this. Imagine an orchestra playing Beethoven’s beautiful Ode to Joy, one of Dr. Allen’s favorite pieces. (btw: The ode is best known for its musical setting in D major in the final movement of his Ninth Symphony (completed in 1824), a choral symphony for orchestra, four solo voices and choir.) Now imagine one of the musicians begins to play off key. In time, the whole orchestra could be corrupted and being to take that lead as well, leaving Dr. Allen weeping uncontrollably. Hard to believe, but it makes the point that all it takes is one piece not playing well to change the outcome. Similar analogy, all it takes is one weak muscle or one painful joint and the outcome is skewed away from the optimal outcome. The body’s function and operation, when proper, is an orchestra with each piece doing a job and and function to create a symphony of flawless, effortless movement. Point made.

This is why The Gait Guys throws so much neurology out here on the blog. Because in the most basic way, this is what movement is all about.

In today’s blog post, we finish up with a brilliant TED educational videocast of Neuroscientist Daniel Wolpert who starts from a surprising premise: the brain evolved, not to think or feel, but to control movement. In this entertaining, data-rich talk he gives us a glimpse into how the brain creates the grace and agility of human motion. Whether you are a runner, a football player, a dancer or just someone who wants to stay painfree and active and understand the brilliance of this body of ours, this is a video you do not want to miss.

Bottom line …….. the brain is not for thinking so much as it is for producing complex and adaptable movements. Movement is the only way of affecting and interacting with the environment around us.Once you no longer need to move, you do not need the luxury of a brain, hence what happens to the brain in coma patients, neurosupression. And so The Gait Guys talk alot about neurology … .because we need to.